Norman-powered Eels cruise past Dragons

Corey Norman played a star hand to guide the Eels past an error strewn Dragons side 34-16 in front of 16,023 fans at Wollongong Showground.

It was a professional performance from the Parramatta side, as they led from the first to last minute against a Dragons side that looked revitalised last weekend against the Panthers. They were 4-nil up after the first minute.

Clint Gutherson pounced on a Russell Packer error from the kick-off. The five-eighth swept left and took the space afforded by a retreating Dragons defense to cross. The Eels backline were on fire this afternoon led by representative centre Michael Jennings.

The former Panther provided two quality assists for his wingerincluded a pass through the legs for Semi Radradra's second try of the game. Corey Norman cushioned a kick behind Nene MacDonald to make it 18-nil for the Eels. Saints thanking Gutherson's errant kicking for still being the contest.

The faithful who turned out on a Sunday night to support the Dragons were rewarded with a score just before the break. Leeson Ah Mau stepped through his tackle and popped a ball for Gareth Widdop, who raced away. Some light for the Saints after a break first half.

Once again though, the Dragons weren't able to hold onto the football which invited a vibrant Eels attack into their half. Fullback Bevan French didn't see much ball in the game but produced a magic trick to race it out to 24-6.

Dragons produced a brief fightback twice, as Josh Dugan finished off a nice move on last and Paul Vaughan's first for the club but tonight was all Parramatta.

Semi Radradra completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute as the rushed Dragons defense gave Norman space to find the Fijian flyer. Just to cap the display the winger added a fourth near the end of the contest to close out a 34-16 performance.